Started working on my 2007 list by doing some quick birding along Hood Canal
from Tahuya west to Menard's Landing at the end of the pavement and then
over to Dewatto Bay. I found what may have been a Swainson's hawk soaring
above the trees at the Tahuya River bridge but it drifted away before I
could be much of a look at it. But its dark bib shown in the sunlight and
there was no hint of red in the tail as a red-tailed hawk might have. I
have seen Swainson's in this area this fall so maybe it's just hanging
around yet. A spotted sandpiper bobbed its little behind along drift wood
and vegetation beside the river adding to the scenery.

Out nearer the end of the road lots of gulls were taking advantage of all
the trees and debris brought down by the flooding Skokomish River. Tree
surfing gulls I find rather amusing to watch, don't they ever get seasick?
There wasn't much more than Barrow's and Common Goldeneyes and Mew gulls out
at Menards' Landing at the end of the pavement along North Shore Rd. Even
the sparrows were absent.

Dewatto Bay further up the Canal was a different sight altogether, maybe
because of the very sheltered nature of the bay. At least 55 red-breasted
mergansers dove in unison as I watched. Counting dunlin on the
half-submerged logs attached to the sinking raft along the south side of the
bay brought a surprise as I was able to pick out a Rock Sandpiper from the
bunch. It seemed to be right at home with the dunlin as they jostled for
positions on the logs. This is the first I've seen a rock sandpiper at this
location.

After checking out the dunlin my eyes were drawn to a large loon about 150
yards away. I was pleased to see, after much deliberation and checking of
field guides, that it was a yellow-billed loon. It's light brown head and
neck was much browner than any other loons I've seen. It's large, somewhat
upturned bill shown very creamy yellow in the morning sun. I've seen
yellow-billed loons here in the past so was not too surprised to find
another here this winter. Several common loons were farther out in the
canal. But no dead whale was to be seen alas.

It's always nice to find surprises when one starts anew on a year list. By
the time I got home another rain storm was moving in, so much for a
morning's moment of sunshine.

Mary Hrudkaj
north Mason County

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